2019-2020 School Year Closure
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
By now, I am sure that most of you are aware that this afternoon Gov. Parson unexpectedly canceled school for the remainder of the school year throughout the state of Missouri in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
I know this decision will create anxiety and questions about what will happen next with our kids, our school, and our community. I will be working with my administrative team and with our elected Board of Education to provide clear answers to you in a timely manner.
The meal delivery program established during this crisis will continue.
The distance learning initiatives we have established will continue.
Although we understand the reasons for this decision and appreciate the leadership of our governor, this is not the outcome we wanted. We wanted the opportunity to close out the school year with our students. However, there is a certain solace that is realized by the surcease of uncertainty. We now have certainty and knowledge about the end of the school year and can make informed, ethical, and empathetic decisions in the best interests of our children, our school, our community, and our state.
We WILL find a way forward.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Academic Supports Available
Updated: Monday, April 6, 2020
I am calling this afternoon to let you know that the district is preparing to roll out increased academic support for your students during these challenging days.
Beginning this week, teachers at all grade levels will start reaching out to students to establish connections so that we can continue to move learning forward for our students. This distance learning initiative is not school, nor is it intended as a replacement for school. Instead, this is a support system for our students in a time of need. Teachers are establishing virtual office hours during which they will be available to work with students and advance learning to the best of our ability, given the difficult nature of our situation.
We are excited to engage with our students again. WE HAVE MISSED ALL OF THEM SO VERY MUCH!
Please check your email for communication from your child's teacher or teachers. This initiative is going to look a bit different based on the age of the students involved but it all begins with reconnecting with the teachers. I know that you will have many questions - I respectfully request that you please contact your teachers and the building principals. They are best equipped to address your issues.
I want you to know that as a parent myself - I understand the stresses on our families right now. We want to be here to support your children in their learning. We also understand if you need to focus on other areas of your life. This initiative is an opportunity, not an obligation.
As always - please stay safe, stay well, and please... stay home.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Wellness Break Extended
Updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
In accordance with federal social distancing guidelines issued this week to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Poplar Bluff School District is extending its Wellness Break through Friday, May 1, 2020. As the number of cases continues to increase statewide and in our region, schools across Missouri and the U.S. remain closed for the month.
While we understand deeply the hardship this poses on families, educators must heed advice from health officials and prioritize the safety of our community before academics during this unprecedented time. We will continue to serve meals to children, and make available educational resources for enrichment purposes until our students return to campus.
Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to ensure all members of our community stay healthy.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Bus Route Meal Delivery
Updated: Monday, March 30, 2020
The Poplar Bluff School District in partnership with Chartwells will be rolling out our Meals on the Bus service beginning Tuesday, March 31. We will have five buses plus a van delivering breakfast, lunch and dinner to school children 18 and under. On Fridays, meals for the weekend will also be supplied. The bus routes will be listed on our website, www.poplarbluffschools.net, as well as on our Poplar Bluff Schools Facebook page. The meal delivery service will be made available in addition to our nine pickup sites throughout town opened from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday during the length of our Wellness Break.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Medicine Pick up and Digital Resources
Updated: Monday, March 23, 2020
The Poplar Bluff School District has designated a window during our Wellness Break—from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24—for parents or guardians to pick up any medications typically stored in the nurse’s office. Staff will be on hand at all of our school buildings to assist you during this time.
Secondly, our curriculum team has put together a website of digital resources for enrichment purposes if you are supplementing your students’ education at home. Please note, these assignments are optional and will not be graded. The materials are accessible at our district website, www.poplarbluffschools.net, where you can also find information about our meal services, beginning today at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Curbside Meal Service
Updated: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
The Poplar Bluff School District, in partnership with Chartwells, will offer a free curbside meal service for all children under 18 years old, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. beginning Monday, March 23, until school resumes, at the following locations:
-
Poplar Bluff Middle School (ET Peters Gym lobby)
- O’Neal Elementary School (FEMA gym exit door)
- Eugene Field Elementary (Cafeteria exit door)
- The Bread Shed (Loading dock)
- Wheatley School (Back entrance)
- Northside Nutrition Center (Side entrance)
- Oak View Apartments (Parking lot)
- 3025 Nellie Sue Circle (Parking lot)
- Midland Church (Parking lot)
The meals, a hot breakfast and a cold lunch, will be ‘grab and go’ style. Food service workers will do their best to bring the food to your vehicle so you do not have to get out. Again, our meal service will run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on weekdays, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, for any student in need.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools
Precautionary School Closure
Updated: Monday, March 16, 2020
There is no higher priority for our entire Poplar Bluff School District family than the safety of our students, staff and community. Based on guidance from the Butler county Health Department and neighboring school districts, Poplar Bluff R-I will dismiss for a Wellness Break from March 23-April 3.
The closure will impact all school programs. We will have additional correspondence regarding specific activities along with a food service plan arranged for students in need.
This decision was not taken lightly and has been made with the health and well-being of everyone in mind.
District administrators will continue to assess the situation with local health departments and area school districts as we move forward.
~Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent of Schools